Bird of Paradise Plants (Strelitzia) need a well-draining, grit-based potting mix to strengthen its rootball. This professional, pest-free potting mix will provide a balanced blend of perlite, vermiculite, grit, sand and the optional worm castings to further strengthen the relationship between the root and soil mix. This price includes free UK delivery and access to a professional houseplant grower for advice & help (message us via DM with your question). 🪴
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Don't know the size of your new pot yet? Simply measure the pot's top diameter to find the perfect amount of compost you'll need for repotting.
| Size (Litres) | Ideal for... |
| 1L | 13cm pots or smaller |
| 5L | 14cm - 20cm pots |
| 10L | 21cm - 28cm pots |
| 15L | 29cm - 35cm pots |
| 25L | 36cm pots or larger, or for multiple repottings! |
We recommend to repot your houseplant once every three years, using a fresh batch of potting mix with the next sized pot. The only time that you may need to repot more often is if your plant is suffering from root rot. (Read the fifth question)
Selecting the bio-active selection incorporates both Worm Castings and Biochar, which both will help with the overall health of your new potting mix. The soil will promote a better relationship with the root system, which in turn will aid the plant’s wellbeing, photosynthesis and ability to deal with pests/diseases like root rot!
Yes! Repotting these plants during the colder months of the year is safe practice & doesn't increase the likelihood of transplant shock or root rot (compared to transplanting in spring or summer).
Absolutely. If your leaves are always curled over or yellowing, this is most likely due to root rot and this potting mix will help encourage the plant to regrow its root system. Read the following question to learn more about what to do with Bird of Paradise root rot.
Yes! So, it's advised to repot your plant as soon as symptoms of root rot arises. Symptoms include rapidly yellowing leaves, browned new leaves that don't emerge successfully, and potential soil mould. Bird of Paradise plants grown more than 1.5m from a window are most likely to develop root rot, which can have symptoms of the plant leaning over to the light and constantly curled leaves (even though the soil I moist). We recommend to take the plant from the pot and scan the outer edge of the potting mix. Root rot will look like brown, flat/deflated and can easily be pulled off from the soil (with little difficulty). There could be a slight 'earthy' smell to the soil, too. Healthy roots will be cream, light-brown or red in colour and will feel twig-like when lightly pinched. Follow the next steps to repotting your root rotted Ficus with one of the options;
Option 1: If more less than 20% of the roots have rotten, remove the dead roots with scissors and replant it back into its original pot, using fresh new this compost.
Option 2: If roughly between 20% - 80% of the roots have rotten, We recommend removing the dead roots and repot into a smaller pot. One that is around 3-5cm smaller in diameter is best, along with using this potting mix.
Option 3: If more than 80% of the roots have rotten, it's recommended to take stem cuttings and root them in either water or soil to 'restart' the root system.
We always recommend watering your houseplant around 12 hours before potting so that the plant is hydrated and strong enough for its repot. If you forget to water beforehand, it's not the end of the world as long as you're very gentle with the root system. It's also advised to wait two days before giving the plant another water again, just so it gives enough time for your plant to settle into its new home.
It's best to keep the lid of the potting mix slightly ajar by around 20% to help it have aeration while in storage. The best place to store the potting mix is in a cool, dark shelf or cabinet until you need it next.